New Report Explains Sustainable Planning and Development

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — Sustainability is the hottest trend in urban planning and real estate development, and now there's a report that explains what it means and what opportunities it presents. 

The report, which is being offered at no charge, is titled Beyond Green Building: How to Get Deals Done in the New Era of Sustainable Community Planning and Development. It was prepared by Partnership for Sustainable Communities (PSC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting land use reform, including higher density zoning, infill development, and measures to encourage affordable housing. 

The report gives practical information on and analysis of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing the way communities are planned and buildings are constructed. It includes articles on topics such as: 

• How to make sense of the fast-growing list of green building
  certifications and standards;
• Where to find financing for energy retrofits;
• Overcoming community opposition to affordable housing;
• Financing for mixed use;
• Federal programs that promote sustainable development; plus
• The results of an exclusive survey of developers on their land use
  concerns.

Partnership for Sustainable Communities helps developers and architects work with cities to enact progressive policies and smooth the entitlement process for affordable housing and mixed-use projects. It was founded and is directed by Andre Shashaty, founding editor and long-time publisher of Affordable Housing Finance magazine. PSC's financial supporters include organizations such as Enterprise Community Partners and individuals such as Conrad Egan, Charles Edson, and David Reznick. PSC's board of advisors includes Richard Baron, Doug Bibby, Henry Cisneros, Bart Harvey, and Nic Retsinas, among others. 

For more information, visit www.p4sc.org. Click the link in the left hand column to subscribe to P4SC New Wire, a periodic update on sustainable development. When you fill out this form you will also receive a link to Beyond Green Building. Or just call 415-453-2100, ext. 304, to request a copy.